Bowling ball grip



June 27, 1967 E. L. PAIGE I BOWLING BALL GRIP 2 Sheets-$heet 1 Filed Dec. 23, 19 4 INVENTOR. EDWARD L.PA|GE.'

June 27, 1967 E. L. PAIGE eeeeeeeeeeee t 2 United fitates Patent f 3,328,029 BUWLING BALL GRIP Edward L. Paige, 4 Radnor Road, Plainview, N.Y. Filed Dec. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 420,675 8 Claims. (tCl. 273--54) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to bowling ball grips and more particularly to a gripping member which fits on the fingers for the purpose of strengthening the hand grip of the user on the ball and aids a stronger spinning hook ball.

The present device transfers all of the delivery action to the proper middle fingers and eliminates other interference by any other fingers. The present invention also maintains the repeatability of delivery motion and provides better control of the ball and enhances the delivery of a hook ball.

Accurate bowling requires repeatability of the ball delivery to be made at all times. The ball is gripped by extending the thumb, middle and ring fingers in corresponding holes in the ball. In order to cause the ball to book, which is the preferable delivery, the ball is delivered with the second and third fingers as pivots as the ball is released to impart spinning to the ball.

The average ball weighs up to 16 lbs. and when it is being delivered, it develops considerably more weight due to the centrifugal motion. In delivery of the ball, a great deal of strain is put on the middle and ring fingers.

After bowling a certain time, these fingers become tired and the proper hold on bail cannot be maintained. The present grip gives more strength to the hand to hold the ball. The present invention provides a first plate portion and two curved end portions. The first portion is adapted to extend over the ring and middle fingers and the second and third curved portions being adapted to extend under the little finger and the forefinger.

Therefore, when the ball is gripped the little and index fingers are used to reinforce the strength of the middle and the ring finger. This permits a better grip of the ball and eliminates the tiring of middle and ring fingers and the rest of the hand.

Another advantage is that it keeps the forefinger and little finger from any contact from 'the ball. Normally these fingers do come in contact with the ball and cause an interference with the proper action of the ball.

Another advantage is that the repeatability of the delivery is maintained for a longer period of time.

Another advantage is that all of the delivery action is transferred to the proper fingers.

Accordingly, a principal object of the invention is to provide new and improved bowling ball grip means, and methods.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved bowling ball grip means including a plate member adapted to reinforce the strength of the index and ring fingers.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved bowling ball grip means including a plate member adapted to keep the little finger and the index finger away from the surface of the ball.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and 3,32%,fi2fi Patented June 27, 1967 improved means for maintaining repeatability of delivery of the ball.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved means to transfer the delivery action to the proper fingers.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved bowling ball grip means comprising a plate member having a first central substantially fiat portion, second and third portions at each end of said central portion, said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user.

These and other objects of the invention will be appar ent from the following specification and drawings of which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side View partly in section illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view illustrating the FIGURE 1 embodiment of the invention and a force diagram.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the FIGURE 1 embodiment of the invention.

FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 are views illustrating delivery of the bowling ball without the present invention.

FIGURES 8, 9, and 10 are views illustrating delivery of the bowling ball with the present invention.

FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of a modification of the invention illustrating width and length adjusting means for wider hands and for longer fingers.

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGURE 11.

Referring to the figures, the invention generally comprises a plate member having generally central substantially flat portion 1, and having a pair of curved portions 2 and 3 at each end. The member is adapted to extend over the middle finger 4, and ring finger 5 of a right handed bowler when holding the ball 6. The index finger 7 would fit into the curve portion 2 and the little finger 8 would fit into the curve portion 3. Suitable pads 1', 2', 3, are preferably provided. The curved portion 2 for the forefinger or index finger, is preferably shorter than that of the portion 3 for the little finger for better balance since the little finger is weaker.

FIGURES 1 and 2 show how the middle finger 4 and the ring finger 5 fit into corresponding holes 4 and 5' in the ball and thumb 10 fits into the corresponding hole 10.

FIGURE 2 illustrates an optional modification whereby the grip member may be attached to and covered by a cloth or leather glove 12 with the fingers cut away which preferably has a wrist strap 13 to hold the glove in position. This assists in maintaining the proper position of the grip on the hand, minimizes slip due to perspiration and enhances the appearance.

The grip may be made of any material such as aluminum, plastic, compressed material, or hard rubber, having the desired firmness. The cushion material preferably has two layers with a soft sponge rubber layer 19 in contact with the grip. The firm material may be of rubber similar to that of the weather stripping on a door of an automobile. The grip of the present invention may be molded or formed in various sizes for different size hands. The thickness of the cushion material may be chosen for the best comfort for the individual user.

Therefore, when the ball is gripped the fore finger and little finger press down on the gripping plate and reinforces the gripping strength of the middle finger and ring finger. This force gives the bowler greater strength with the ball and holds the ball in the proper position.

Therefore, the middle fingers do not take all the strain and they will not get so tired that they will give way and cause faulty ball release. It is the gradual tiring of the fingers which effects the amount of spin on the ball which affects the repeatability of ball delivery control. If the ball delivery cannot be repeated with reasonable accuracy, then the players score will suffer. Random Weakening of the fingers holding the ball is the same as to having a loose sight on a gun making it very diificult to take reliable aim with any feasible assurance of repeatability.

Also, note that the tips of the two outside fingers, namely the forefinger and little finger, are maintained out of contact with the surface of the ball. This prevents any and all interference by these fingers at the point of delivery. In other words, the spin is imparted by the ball rolling off the two central fingers. If the other two outside fingers have contact with the ball, they would place a brake on the spinning action of the ball, therefore, removing a desired action to the ball.

The padding may be a sponge rubber or other padding which may be secured to the grip member with a conventional adhesive.

FIGURE 3 shows a force diagram illustrating the forces as shown by the arrows while delivering the ball.

FIGURES 5, 6, and 7 show the release of the ball in a conventional manner without using the grip member of the present invention. In FIGURE ,5, the ball is being gripped by the thumb 10 and middle finger 4 as well as the ring finger 5 which does not appear in the figure.

In FIGURE 6, the thumb has released and spin is being imparted by ball rolling off fingers 4 and 5. Note, however, that the forefinger 7 and little finger 8 comes in contact with the surface of the ball and serves to place a brake on the spinning action, as shown by the arrow.

FIGURE 7 shows the ball just after the moment of release and note that the forefinger 7 and little finger 8 tends to remain in contact with the ball after the finger 4 has released it with some spin on it. This interference of the forefinger and little finger adversely affects the amount of the spin, as shown by the arrow.

FIGURES 8, 9, and 10 show similar views to FIG- URES 5, 6, and 7 with the use of the gripper member of the present invention. In FIGURE 8 the ball is being gripped. In FIGURE 9 the thumb 10 has released the ball. In FIGURE 10, the ball has been completely released from the fingers. Note, that the forefinger 7 as well as the little finger 8 which is not shown, do not remain in contact with the ball in FIGURES 8 and 9 and 10 but is held away by means of the gripper. This permits the maximum amount of spin to be imparted to the ball which is a perfect delivery for a hook ball.

FIGURE 11 shows another embodiment of the invention which is adapted to be adjustable in size. This embodiment comprises members 15, 16, and 17 which have substantially flat portions having adjustment slots 15', 16' and having curved portions 15a and 16a which are similar to those members previously described. Members 15 and 16 are connected by bridge member 17 having slots 18, 19a, 20, and 21. The members 15, 16, and 17 are adapted to be connected together with four nuts and bolts. Therefore, the gripper of FIGURE 11, may be varied in length and width to fit different size hands. Suitable padding may be added as previously described. Alternatively, the grip means including the rubber portions, could be molded to the shape of the hand to provide additional support.

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGURE 11.

Many modifications may be made by those who desire to practice the invention without departing from the scope thereof which is defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. Bowling ball grip means comprising,

a rigid plate member having a first central substantially flat portion,

second and third portions at each end of said central portion,

said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user.

2. Bowling ball grip means comprising,

a rigid member having a first central substantially flat portion,

second and third portions at each end of said central portion,

said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the upper portion of middle and ring fingers of the user and said curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user.

3. Bowling ball grip means comprising,

a rigid plate member having a first central portion,

second and third portions at each end of said central portion,

said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user,

said curved portion extending under the little finger being longer than said curved portion extending under the forefinger.

4. In bowling ball grip means, means to reinforce the strength of the gripping fingers, comprising a rigid plate member having a first central portion,

second and third portions at each end of said central portion,

said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the fore finger and little finger of the user.

5. In bowling ball grip means, means to reinforce the strength of the gripping fingers and to space the fore finger and little finger away from the surface of the ball comprising,

a rigid plate member having a first central portion,

second and third portions at each end of said central portion,

said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user.

6. In bowling ball grip means, means to reinforce the strength of the gripping fingers and to transfer all delivery action to the middle and ring fingers comprising,

a rigid plate member having a first central portion,

second and third portions at each end of said central portion,

said second and third portions being curved so that said first portion extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user.

7. Adjustable bowling ball grip means comprising,

a rigid plate member having a pair of first slots,

second and third members adapted to be connected at each end of said plate member,

said second and third members being curved so that said first member extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user and said end curved portions extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user,

said second and third members being slotted in a direction perpendicular to said first slots, and means extending through said slots and connecting said second and third member to said plate member whereby said second and third members may be individually moved in mutually perpendicular directions.

5 6 8. Adjustable bowling ball grip means comprising, References Cited rlgld first member, UNITED STATES PATENTS second and third members adjustably connected at each end of Said first member, 1,887,278 11/1932 Auster.

2,927,579 3/1960 BraXton -128-81 said second and third members being curved and con- 5 3 723 6/1962 Bergendorf nected to said first member so that said first member :717 8/1962 Meyer. extends over the middle and ring fingers of the user 3,224,012 12/1965 Hamm 273 54 X and said second and third members extend under the forefinger and little finger of the user. ANTON OECHSLE, Prlmary Examlner 

1. BOWLING BALL GRIP MEANS COMPRISING, A RIGID PLATE MEMBER HAVING A FIRST CENTRAL SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT PORTION, SECOND AND THIRD PORTIONS AT EACH END OF SAID CENTRAL PORTION, SAID SECOND AND THIRD PORTIONS BEING CURVED SO THAT SAID FIRST PORTION EXTENDS OVER THE MIDDLE AND RING FINGERS OF THE USER AND SAID END CURVED PORTIONS EXTEND UNDER THE FOREFINGER AND LITTLE FINGER OF THE USER. 